Succeed in Verbal Reasoning Testing with our Authentic Prep (2025 Update)

Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions

Sample question 1:

People who have skin cancer have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation. 

A. True
B. False
C. Cannot Say

Correct answer: C

Explanation: 

The passage tells us that ultraviolet radiation is likely to cause skin cancer but it doesn’t say that it’s the only reason. A person may not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation but still develop skin cancer. So we cannot make a generalization here. Hence, 'Cannot say' is the correct option.

Sample question 2:

The use of CFCs should be severely limited to stop further damage to the ozone layer.

A. True
B. False
C. Cannot Say

Correct answer: A

Explanation:

The main intent of the passage is to inform the reader about the damage caused to the ozone layer by CFCs. It also states that several countries have severely limited the use of CFCs.

Sample question 3:

The production of CFCs is entirely prohibited all over the world.

A. True
B. False
C. Cannot Say

Correct answer: B

Explanation:

The passage states that 'Many countries, including the United States, now severely limit the production of CFCs', which means that its production is limited in many countries, not prohibited.  It also talks about a few countries, not all.

Tip: Answer the questions using the knowledge provided in the passage only. No prior knowledge of your own should be used. Remember, you have to answer all the questions according to the author’s perspective and intent and not make any assumptions yourself.

Passage 2

Sample question 4:

What is the central idea of the above passage?

A. Dynamic features of Mars
B. Efforts for exploration of the Martian atmosphere
C. Benefits of Themis space probe system
D. Flight software upload to the Spirit and Opportunity rovers

Correct answer: B. Efforts for exploration of the Martian atmosphere

Explanation:

The passage describes the efforts, including tools and techniques, to understand the Martian atmosphere. Option A is the motivation behind these efforts, while options C and D are part of the techniques to be employed for exploration. Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Tip: You can use the elimination method here. Start with the first option and keep eliminating the inappropriate options until you arrive at the correct answer.

Sample question 5:

Which statement doesn’t follow from the passage?

A. Space exploration started in July 2006
B. Themis instrument will allow the detection of thermal anomalies from volcanic activity among others
C. Mars is more dynamic than initially anticipated by the researchers
D. Onboard tracking of dust devils and clouds in Spirit and Opportunity rovers will be enabled through image processing software.

Correct answer: A. Space exploration started in July 2006

Explanation:

The passage mentions the upload of software in July 2006 in already existing rovers. Since the rovers existed before the upload, the exploration started before 2006. All the other options follow from the passage except option A.

Tip: You can use the elimination method here as well. You will find that the correct answer is option A, which means that you don’t need to evaluate the rest of the options. This will save time. 

Get familiar with the test: The first step in test preparation is to know what the test is all about. Being aware of your specific test version, the expected number of questions and the time limit will familiarize you with the test and help you to choose the right practice material as well.

Improve your reading skills: Since the test is all about reading and answering questions on passages of text, it is really important to have good reading comprehension skills. You can improve these skills by solving practice questions as well as reading articles, magazines, books, etc., and by learning new vocabulary.

Forget your prior knowledge: When you attempt a question, answer it using the information available in the given passage only. Any additional knowledge regarding the topic or your point of view should not be used when deciding on the correct answer.

Practice: Practice is how you ace any test, and it’s no different here. Find up-to-date preparation material that covers questions that may be asked in the actual test.

Keep track of time: Time is one of the most important constraints here, therefore it is extremely important to work through the test quickly. Take timed practice tests or record the time it takes you to solve a question. This will give you an idea of how much time you will have to answer each question in the real test.

Take full-length assessments: To imitate the exact experience you’ll face in the test, practice full-length timed assessments. This will familiarize you with the actual test and reduce the chances of panic. It will also ensure you don't waste any time figuring out how a question needs to be answered.